[Evaluna]

Things have been a bit horrible today. My 6yo's excuse for a dad showed up for her even though we had plans and obviously she wanted to see him.

After she left I broke down I was so upset. I can't remember the last time I cried like that. I felt hurt and let down although I know she's too young to understand these things. Whenever something bad happens and I sink back into my little cave I sit stewing over things for hours, and for the first time today I actually decided to open up to someone.

I made myself get dressed and walked to my friends house, had a good cry and within an hour we were laughing and being silly. I can't believe that one small decision helped me get through something so quickly, and I didn't feel stupid for getting out my thoughts. It may not happen again for a while but I'm quite proud of myself for that today.

[kaliope]

that is great news! I hope you can remember how good it worked the next time you are feeling down

[waterknob1234]

Sharing things with a trusted friend helps so much. I am glad you had someone you could go to and talk to. You can always talk to us too. You sound like me. I have a way of obsessing over something bad for hours. I thought I was the only one.

[Evaluna]

I drive myself crazy over such silly things! The thing is my friend who I turned to today has been in my position for a while but she is luckily coming out the other side. She understands and doesn't judge and was there with a big hug at the right time. But also being able to cry made a difference. I normally feel like an emotional robot and find it hard to actually cry.

[waterknob1234]

It helps to have a friend who has been thru the same stuff you are dealing with who can be understanding and supportive without being judgmental. I can understand where it would be hard when you had already planned things to do with your child and out of the blue the "dad" shows up and messes things up. The child really doesn't understand any better and of course is glad to see "daddy." It sounds to me like you handled the situation so well, all things considered.